Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative vehicle roofs, vehicles, and bicycle carriers. In an illustrative embodiment, a vehicle roof includes a rooftop and a forward recess section. The forward recess section is disposed near a forward end of the rooftop. The forward recess section defines a first cavity. The forward recess section includes a recreational device mount disposed within the first cavity and a lid configured to aerodynamically cover the first cavity.

Abstract: A sling system comprises a sling strap and an attachment strap. The sling strap has a first keyhole clip coupled to the sling strap. The first keyhole clip includes a first opening and a second opening smaller than the first opening in at least one dimension and in communication with the first opening. The attachment strap comprises an elastomeric body having a head extending from the body, a first neck between the head and the body, a second neck between the first neck and head and a collar between the first neck and the second neck. The first opening is larger than the head. The second opening is smaller than the head. An aperture through the body surrounds the first neck sandwiched between the collar and the body. The second opening surrounds the second neck sandwiched between the collar and the head.

Abstract: A magnetic vehicle rack having an elongated body constructed from a flexible polymeric material. The elongated body generally including an arciform cross-sectional profile, an oblate top surface, a planar bottom surface having one or more permanent magnet(s) disposed flush with the bottom surface and an axially aligned aperture dimensioned to axially receive an incurvate spine therethrough. Positioning of the incurvate spine within the elongated body uniformly distributes static and dynamic loads throughout the magnetic vehicle rack.

Abstract: A load carrier for a vehicle roof is disclosed. The load carrier includes at least one load profile which, in use, extends along the vehicle roof. The load profile has a first part and a second part which are movable relative to each other in their longitudinal direction. The first part that in use is positioned next to the vehicle roof having at the top an undercut groove which extends in the longitudinal direction of the first part and in which engages, in a longitudinally displaceable manner, at least one slideway belonging to the second part and having a shape matching the undercut groove.

Abstract: A magnetic vehicle rack having an elongated body constructed from a flexible polymeric material. The elongated body generally including an arciform cross-sectional profile, an oblate top surface, a planar bottom surface having a one or more permanent magnet(s) disposed flush with the bottom surface and an axially aligned aperture dimensioned to axially receive an incurvate spine therethrough. Positioning of the incurvate spine within the elongated body uniformly distributes static and dynamic loads throughout the magnetic vehicle rack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof rack system (1) for a vehicle, specifically for a passenger car, having at least one roof rail (2), which is configured in one piece and can be located on the vehicle body with an attaching device (13), wherein the roof rail (2) has a contact surface (27) extending over the length of the roof rail (2) which can be placed substantially continuously over its full length on the vehicle body (13) and is conformed to the vehicle body contour, and the attaching device has a retaining element (58) which is located in a cavity (60) of the roof rail (2) in the manner of a slot nut.

Abstract: A cargo carrier integrated a vehicle roof such that the cargo carrier is deployable from a stowed position within the vehicle roof to a deployed position that extends from the vehicle roof. The cargo carrier includes a bottom panel disposed within a recess formed in the vehicle roof, and a pair of side panels disposed within and hingedly connected to the bottom panel. The side panels are actuatable between the stowed position and the developed position. A front panel and a top panel are hingedly connected to each other and attached to the bottom panel. To deploy the cargo carrier, a deployment system is connected to the side panels for actuating the side panels between the stowed position and the deployed position. Actuation of the side panels raises the top panel and the front panel to the deployed position.

Abstract: A roof rack includes a pair of roof rails extended in parallel each other and connected to a roof of a vehicle, a cross rail extended perpendicular to the roof rail for connecting the roof rails, and a stopper mechanism including a handle operable for fixing the cross rail to the roof rails. The cross rail is movable relative to the roof rail when the handle is at a first position and the cross rail is immovable relative to the roof rail when then handle is at a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying cargo on a roof of a recreational vehicle which has a rooftop air conditioning unit is provided and has a space or well that is configured for receipt of the rooftop air conditioning unit therein. The cargo carrier may have cargo-receiving spaces in front of, in back of, and alongside the air conditioning unit. An upper frame member of the cargo carrier may provide a mounting area that is above or even with a top of the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying cargo on a roof of a recreational vehicle which has a rooftop air conditioning unit is provided and has a space or well that is configured for receipt of the rooftop air conditioning unit therein. The cargo carrier may have cargo-receiving spaces in front of, in back of, and alongside the air conditioning unit. An upper frame member of the cargo carrier may provide a mounting area that is above or even with a top of the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier adapted for use with outer body surfaces of a vehicle that are curved or non-parallel to one another. The article carrier includes a pair of non-linear slats that are secured in spaced apart relation to one another on the outer body surfaces. A cross bar supporting assembly has a pair of connecting members that support a cross bar at its outermost ends. The connecting members are secured to slider members, and the slider members are adapted to be secured to the slats. The connecting members are secured to the outermost ends of the cross bar and each have bores that enable the outermost ends to be gradually received therewithin as the cross bar is moved along portions of the slats where the distance between the slats decreases, thus effectively shortening the cross bar. Conversely, this coupling enables the length of the cross bar to be effectively lengthened to accommodate increases in the distance between the slats.

Abstract: The device and method according to the present invention are useful for limiting unwanted movement of lengthy objects being transported by a pick-up truck. The device is comprised of two separate units that are used with each other. There is a first unit that is a cab protection unit. The cab protection unit is removably mountable on a top surface of the cab of the pick-up. The cab protection unit has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and angled load bearing surface that extends between the top surface and the rear surface, and two side surfaces. The bottom surface has a flat portion that rests upon the top of the truck cab. The bottom surface may also include a curved portion that fits snuggly around the rear edge of the cab and against a portion of the rear of the cab. The angled load bearing surface preferably is an angled flat portion with a most preferred angle of 45°.

Abstract: A boat rack apparatus for carrying a boat on a vehicle roof rack includes a plurality of conformable support members. Each support member has an expanse that contacts a boat hull. The expanse is supported by a rib arrangement, including a spring rib and a load rib. The spring rib underlies a flexible portion of the expanse. The load rib provides vertical support to the expanse. The support member adapts to different boat hull shapes.

Abstract: A roof rack includes longitudinal members mounted on longitudinal sides of a roof of a vehicle body and is disposed in receiving devices such that the longitudinal members can be moved from a lowered position into an operative position and vice versa. End pieces of the longitudinal members, which rest in spaced receiving devices of the roof, are swivelled, for setting the operative position or the lowered position, outside the receiving devices and about an axis of rotation extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The end pieces are then inserted again in the receiving devices. Each of the end pieces is releasably connected with a respective longitudinal member.

Abstract: A device for laterally translating the force vector between a load carrier foot and the upper surface of a vehicle roof according to the slope of the contour of the vehicle roof at the location of the foot upon the vehicle roof. The device includes a load carrier foot for attachment of a load carrier to the vehicle roof and the load carrier foot has a first foot support portion and a second foot support portion. A foot plate for engaging the upper surface of the vehicle roof is provided that is pivotally attached to the load carrier foot and has a first foot plate support portion adjacent the first foot support portion to form an inner support pair and a second foot plate support portion adjacent the second foot support portion to form an outer support pair.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus adapted to be disposed within a channel formed in an outer body surface of a vehicle, wherein the channel includes a permanently disposed hook portion, for securing a slat to the hook portion without the use of conventional riv-nut fasteners and without requiring holes to be drilled in the outer body surface. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket having a base portion and a pair of offset arm portions. The base portion is adapted to slide under a lip of the permanently secured hook portion so as to be disposed substantially completely within the channel formed in the outer body surface of a vehicle. The arm portions include threaded openings which allow conventional fastening elements to be used to secure the slat to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be used with or without a conventional resilient mounting pad.

Abstract: A mounting device for roof racks on motor vehicles, especially automobiles, includes mounting elements located in longitudinal roof channels in which the endwise supporting parts of the roof racks can be secured. Each mounting element is formed by a base plate that rests on the bottom of the roof channel and is fastened thereto, on which plate at least one threaded section is formed for screwing in a mounting bolt for the supporting part. In order for high roof loads to be carried by the mounting device and readily conducted into the fixed body, on the underside of an upright rib of the supporting part, at least one supporting surface is provided that forms a sloping plane relative to the screwing direction in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The supporting surface abuts a corresponding supporting surface of the base plate that extends in the same direction and projects upward.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier 10 forming a low, aerodynamic profile when secured to an outer body surface of the vehicle. The vehicle article carrier includes a pair of slats each having channel portions which are adapted to reside at least partially within channels formed in the outer body surface of the vehicle during manufacture of the vehicle. The low profile of the slats serves to reduce the degree to which a pair of bracket members and at least one cross bar secured to the bracket members projects above the outer body surface, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal and improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle article carrier. In preferred embodiments each slat includes a plurality of tie-down loops integrally formed therewith. The bracket members each incorporate a manually movable locking member adapted to lockably engage with the slat to hold the bracket member at a desired position along the slat.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier 10 forming a low, aerodynamic profile when secured to an outer body surface of the vehicle. The vehicle article carrier includes a pair of slats each having channel portions which are adapted to reside at least partially within channels formed in the outer body surface of the vehicle during manufacture of the vehicle. The low profile of the slats serves to reduce the degree to which a pair of bracket members and at least one cross bar secured to the bracket members projects above the outer body surface, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal and improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle article carrier. In preferred embodiments each slat includes a plurality of tie-down loops integrally formed therewith. The bracket members each incorporate a manually movable locking member adapted to lockably engage with the slat to hold the bracket member at a desired position along the slat.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly is disclosed for on a passenger car, particularly a convertible. The roof rack assembly includes two lateral frame parts extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and front and rear transversely extending carrying elements fastened on the lateral frame parts. The two lateral frame parts are detachably held in position on the adjacent body of the passenger car. The lateral frame parts are formed as large-surface cast metal parts and each frame part has a molded-on forward and a rearward supporting section on which the transversely extending carrying elements rest and are fastened.

Abstract: A fixing board, for an attraction-fastening type freight carrying device to be mounted on the roof of a motor vehicle, has been improved. The fixing board is composed of a magnetic attraction force contact plate, a film-like suction-cup, and a releasing handle. The magnetic attraction force contact plate has a three-layer structure comprising a soft magnet plate, an iron plate and smooth thin-film sheet coated on the iron plate. The iron plate has a plurality of grooves radially extending, which are elongated dead-end grooves. Further, the magnetic attraction force contact plate has a through-hole into which a substantially cylindrical seal lip extending from the suction film is inserted so as to make an air value. This air hole takes on a closed state when the freight carrying device is installed on the vehicle roof, and takes on an open state when being removed therefrom. The film-like suction-cup is formed throughout the circumference of the magnetic attraction force contact plate.

Abstract: A support foot for supporting the end of a railing tube on the roof of a motor vehicle. The foot is fastened on the roof of the vehicle and rests on a resting surface. An insertion pin is vertically and laterally spaced from the resting surface and produces a plug connection with the railing tube. At least one opening extending transversely though the foot. Cover plates cover both sides of the foot and at least one opening which passes through the foot. The support foot is a section cut off from an extruded profiled strip cut transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A roof rack mounting system for vehicle having concealed drip moldings in mounting plates are riveted to the roof return of a vehicle, on opposite sides of the vehicle underneath a vehicle upper door lip. Each mounting plate has two pins which fit into cups or slots formed on a foot plate. A leg section connects each foot plate to a hollow transverse beam. One leg section is movable and has a screw extending through the leg section and engaging a nut secured to the inside of the tranverse beam.

Abstract: A longitudinal slat for a luggage carrier which incorporates a chrome-metal slat body detachably mounted to a plastic insulator. In addition to separating the slab body from the vehicle surface, the insulator provides additional load-bearing support for the slat. Integrally formed with the insulator and extending the length of the slat is a substantially H-shaped center support which reinforces the horizontal load-bearing wall of the slat body. The entire structure is secured to the surface of the vehicle by a series of mounting screws.

Abstract: An article carrying system for operative association with an automotive vehicle having an exterior generally horizontal surface, such as a trunk lid or roof, the system comprising a pair of elongated support members or slats which have a configuration which flows conformably and aerodynamically into the surface of the vehicle and which are permanently secured to the vehicle. The support members have longitudinally extending channels for supporting adjustable and/or removable components of the system, including tie downs and cross members which components are also provided with aerodynamic designs compatible with the remainder of the system. Provision is also made for association of components of the system, such as cross members, to be fixedly located on the support members.

Abstract: An article supporting slat is adapted to be mounted in contiguous relationship to a surface portion of a vehicle and includes a longitudinally extending upwardly facing article supporting surface having an upwardly presenting groove. A one-piece end cap member is interfitted with one end of the slat and includes a tongue adapted to be received within the groove. A mounting pad is disposed between the end cap member and the vehicle surface portion. The mounting pad includes resilient fingers for releasably retaining the mounting pad and the slat together as an integral unit.

Abstract: A container adapted for use as a tool or utility box which is constructed to provide maximum flexibility in storing articles therein. The body of the container comprises side walls having inwardly directed ribs and ledge portions for slidably supporting a tray assembly. Smaller compartments may be formed within the interior of the container by using specially constructed dividers that cooperate with the inwardly directed ribs. The height of the dividers is less than the length of the side walls so that articles may be supported above the compartments formed by the dividers. Further, the construction of the container walls and tray assembly permits various sizes and types of articles to be stored and segregated within the container.

Abstract: An article carrying system for operative association with an automotive vehicle having an exterior generally horizontal surface, such as a trunk lid or roof, the system comprising a pair of elongated support members or slats which have a configuration which flows conformably and aerodynamically into the surface of the vehicle and which are permenantly secured to the vehicle. The support members have longitudinally extending channels for supporting adjustable and/or removable components of the system, including tie downs and cross members which components are also provided with aerodynamic designs compatible with the remainder of the system. Provision is also made for association of components of the system, such as cross members, to be fixedly located on the support members.

Abstract: A lightweight water-resistant portable luggage carrier for pickup trucks that is securely locked in the bed of a pickup truck to be used to carry luggage. It is flexible and can be easily and quickly removed and compacted into a portable size to be stored behind a pickup seat.

Abstract: A vehicle carrier is formed from a flexible mat with suction cups along its bottom surface and raised ridges along the sides of its upper surface. A plurality of slots are provided in these raised ridges. Rigid retaining bars located along the raised ridges are connected to tie straps which pass through the slots and surround the retaining bars. These tie straps then extend back through the slot and connect to the vehicle. Additional tie straps connect to the rigid retaining bar and are secured about a load carried on the mat. Because of the flexible material the mat is made of, it can be rolled into a cylindrical shape and stored in the vehicle trunk along with the retaining bars and tie straps.

Abstract: A luggage or article carrying system for operative association with an automotive vehicle having an exterior generally horizontal surface, such as a trunk lid or roof, the system comprising a pair of elongated slats on the surface in respective positions on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the body and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, the slats being permanently secured to the body and being substantially rectangular in the vertical cross section with a width substantially greater than the height and presenting a low profile on the vehicle, the tops of the slats being substantially flat and parallel to the horizontal surface and providing longitudinally extending channels by which a pair of laterally extending cross slats may be secured their opposite ends to the longitudinally extending slats, the cross slats being adapted to underlie articles supported on the carrier so as to obviate the need for supplemental reinforcement of the vehicle trunk lid or roof, wit

Abstract: Two pairs of resilient body blocks are provided with each pair of blocks interconnected by an elongated, flexible, stretchable and elastic tether member extending and connected therebetween. The blocks include adjacent sides having grooves formed therein opening laterally outwardly of the blocks toward each other. The grooves parallel each other and are open ended and embracingly receive opposite longitudinal side edges of a sail or surf board therein with the pairs of blocks spaced longitudinally of the board and the tether members thereof functioning to clamp the board between the pairs of blocks. The side edges of the grooves are spaced inwardly of the corresponding side surfaces of the blocks and the board, with the blocks supported therefrom, may be disposed in horizontal position atop a vehicle with the undersides of the blocks engaging the vehicle top and the blocks supporting the board in spaced relation relative to the vehicle top.

Abstract: A universal car top carrier is supported upon a pair of spaced apart full length resilient mounting pads. The mounting pads are internally supported by a spring bar to accommodate flexing and produce an even distribution of pressure along the length of the mounting pad. The mounting pads are triangular in cross-section to define three elongated faces each face being differently contoured and selectable to obtain a mating conformance with the supporting roof line or corner. Different width roofs are accommodated by a pair of width adjustable telescoping tubing/support attached to the mounting pads through castings. A cam lock buckle at each casting releasably secures the strap of a gutter hook to lock the car top carrier to the car roof.

Abstract: Luggage-carrier or auxiliary luggage compartment for motor cars, characterized in that it consists of at least a base serving as loading floor and equipped with supports fitting the car roof and of means allowing the removable fixation of said base to said car roof.

Abstract: An inexpensive rack which is mounted on the roof of an automobile. Other objects are then mounted on the rack for transport with the automobile. The rack is an elongate lamination including a pair of opposed soft foamed outer layers, and an inner reinforcing layer therebetween. The reinforcing layer extends outwardly of the soft layers defining end tabular portions which are sandwiched between the car roof and the opposing doors to secure the rack to the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of racks are mounted in spaced relation across the automobile roof. An object positioned thereon is secured to the automobile by conventional means of rope, straps, or the like.